What do you think about the social contract?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 08:30:43 -0400

I'm curious to hear what everyone thinks about our "social contract". How do you define the social contract with Veterans and what are two or three key attributes that must exist for it to be successful?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 16 at 2014 8:58 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 08:58:40 -0400

I had to refresh my memory as to exactly what a "social contract" is. I'm just curious what you mean by having a social contract with Veterans. Are you talking about one between those still serving and those of us that are Veterans?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 11:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 11:01:01 -0400

I would argue that is is both. The Social Contract is established between society and the military - the individual agrees to join knowing that (s)he will be repaid in certain benefits for his/her service.

To add to the question - is the social contract changing or will it change?...

Response by MAJ Michael Zanetti made Jul 18 at 2014 12:13 PM

MAJ Michael Zanetti — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:13:55 -0400

I think the social contract must evolve. In the not so distant past, we had a conscription force and our conflicts were felt by the entire population - think rationing, war bonds, etc... The idea of caring for veterans was shaped by the fact that most people in society were directly impacted by the conflict and there was no expectation of a career in the military - people served their time and then went back to their civilian lives.

Now, we live in an era of the all-volunteer force (much smaller) and the skill sets necessary to fight and win can not simply be drafted as easily. The social contract must evolve to reflect the needs of the typical veteran of the present as well as the cost that the rest of society is not paying.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 9:51 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 21:51:21 -0400

I never signed one